EV Charger Installation Guide for Austin, TX

Most Austin homeowners choose Level 2 (240V) charging. It provides 25-30 miles of range per hour, meaning a full charge overnight.

Level 1 (120V) works with a standard outlet but only adds 3-5 miles per hour — fine for plug-in hybrids but too slow for full EVs.

Consider your daily driving distance. If you drive under 40 miles/day, even Level 1 may work. For 40+ miles/day, Level 2 is the clear choice.

A Level 2 charger draws 30-50 amps. Your electrical panel needs enough spare capacity to handle this load safely.

Homes built after 2000 in Austin typically have 200A panels with room to spare. Older homes (especially in central Austin neighborhoods like Hyde Park, Travis Heights, or Bouldin Creek) often have 100A panels that need upgrading.

A licensed electrician will assess your panel and recommend whether an upgrade is needed. Panel upgrades in Austin typically cost $1,500-$3,000.

The City of Austin requires an electrical permit for all Level 2 charger installations. This is handled through Austin Development Services.

Permit fees typically range from $100-$300 depending on the scope of work.

All installations must comply with the National Electrical Code (NEC) and City of Austin amendments. A city inspector will verify the installation after completion.

Your installer should pull the permit on your behalf — we handle this for every installation.

Austin Energy is your electric utility provider. While they don't require pre-approval for residential charger installations, there are a few things to know:

Austin Energy offers a time-of-use rate (EV360) that gives you cheaper electricity during off-peak hours (typically 7 PM - 2 PM). This can save you 30-40% on charging costs.

If you install a Level 2 charger, consider enrolling in Austin Energy's EV programs for potential rebates and off-peak rate benefits.

Austin Energy's grid can handle standard residential charger installations without service upgrades in most neighborhoods.

A typical Level 2 installation takes 2-4 hours. If a panel upgrade is needed, it may take a full day.

The electrician will: mount the charging unit, run conduit and wiring from your panel, install a dedicated circuit breaker, and test the system.

The charger is usually mounted on the garage wall near the driver's side of the car. Outdoor installations require a weatherproof (NEMA 4) rated unit.

After installation, we test the charger, walk you through the controls, and help you set up any associated app (ChargePoint, Tesla, etc.).

After installation, a City of Austin inspector will verify the work meets code. We schedule this inspection for you.

Inspections are typically completed within 3-5 business days of the installation.

Once passed, your charger is fully operational. We provide documentation for your records and for any rebate applications.

The entire process — from initial quote to charging your car — typically takes 1-2 weeks.